Pune: Ola and Uber to resume inter-state service for essential travel

Pune: Maharashtra has been the worst-hit states in the country by the deadly coronavirus, recording the maximum number of cases and deaths. Amid the pandemic, the ride-sharing companies Ola and Uber have decided to restart their services in Pune from Friday. However, the cab aggregator would function only for the purpose of emergencies or essential travel and will strictly adhere to the rules and regulations put forward by the Central and the State governments to ensure the rider’s safety.

It is mandatory for both the passengers and the drivers to wear facemasks while travelling if they are comfortable with each other as there is an increase in the number of vehicles starting their operations. It is compulsory to clean and fully sanitise the cars before taking riders and after they have left.

Both Ola and Uber have claimed to start a flexible cancellation policy and the driver or rider will be able to cancel the ride if they feel that either of them is breaking the norms or not wearing a mask, according to the release made by the companies.

Earlier in the month of February and March, many cases have been reported where the drivers were infected by the virus as riders carrying the virus travelled in their cars. Both the companies ensured that autorickshaws and cabs would function but did not mention the number of vehicles that are likely to register for restarting operations.

The drivers working for these app-based companies have been affected the most as the coronavirus induced lockdown took away their livelihood.

Uber stated that it is mandatory for the riders booking the cabs to carry some documentation proof while travelling for essential purposes. It also said that the drivers need to send them a selfie wearing facemasks before their every trip.

Ola mentioned about their resuming of inter-state services where people will be able to book cabs in and outside Pune but they cannot travel outside the state. They said that cleaning the cabs prior to every trip is one of their main priorities, the cabs and autorickshaws will be disinfected at least three times a week, and the drivers will be going through temperature checks every 48 hours. They also added that the two passengers-one driver rule would be applied as usual.